Governor Blagojevich Announces Peoria County Approved for Federal Assistance Following September Flooding

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that residents in Peoria County who suffered damage to their homes and possessions when severe flooding struck the area in mid-September are now eligible to apply for federal assistance. The Governor received notice today from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that a request for assistance for Peoria County submitted last week by the state had been approved. The federal disaster declaration also makes flood-affected businesses in Peoria County eligible for low-interest loans to help with their recovery.

"I'm very pleased that people whose homes were damaged by the September flooding can now get the assistance they need to rebuild and recover," said Governor Blagojevich.

The federal disaster declaration will make assistance available to individuals and households, including cash grants to help with temporary housing, home repairs and replacement and other disaster-related costs. Flood victims and businesses will also be able to apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"We will begin working immediately with FEMA to get the disaster assistance application process started so that flood victims can get needed help as quickly as possible," said Andrew Velasquez III, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

A preliminary damage assessment conducted by IEMA and FEMA found 64 homes that had sustained some level of damage, including 15 homes that suffered major damage.

People affected by the flooding must register with FEMA to be considered for assistance.  Registration can be completed through a toll-free telephone number: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired, or online at www.fema.gov.